HR Manager

Alexander Mae (HR) Ltd; City Of London; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading HR consultancy in London is seeking an experienced HR Manager to oversee maternity cover for 12 months. This role involves leading HR operations, managing a team, and partnering with senior leadership to enhance employee engagement and compliance. Ideal candidates will have extensive HR management experience, particularly in manufacturing, and strong knowledge of UK employment legislation. Excellent benefits are included, with a salary of up to £60,000.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Matched pension up to 6%

Life assurance (4x salary)

Cycle to work scheme

Health cashback plan

Corporate gym memberships

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Qualifications

• Proven HR leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience managing and developing a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day HR operations and manage a team of four.
• Provide practical HR guidance to managers and employees.
• Partner with senior leaders on business objectives and workforce planning.
• Champion company values and lead employee engagement activity.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Knowledge of UK employment law

Communication skills

Team development

IT literacy

Tools

HRIS

ATS

Job description

HR Manager (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Up to £60,000 + Excellent Benefits

Start: December / January

Hours: Full-time, site-based

About the Company

Our client is a leading Bristol manufacturer, employing around 500 employees across three sites in Bristol. This role is based in their Head Office in South Bristol (BS3).

The Role

We are looking for an experienced HR Manager on a 12-month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave. Reporting to the HR Director, you will lead day‑to‑day HR operations, manage a team of four, and partner closely with senior leaders to drive people strategy, engagement, culture, and operational excellence.

This is a hands‑on, varied HR leadership role within a friendly, values‑driven environment where you will play a key role in organisational effectiveness and employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Advisory

Act as the escalation point for daily HR queries, including ER, payroll admin, pensions, benefits, family leave and recruitment.

Provide practical, solution‑focused HR guidance to managers and employees.

Team Leadership

Line manage and develop a team of four HR professionals.

Run 1s, team meetings, cross‑skilling and development planning.

Maintain and update the HR skills matrix; drive continuous improvement.

Business Partnering & Strategy

Partner with senior managers to support business objectives and workforce planning.

Support leadership development and talent initiatives.

Lead or support restructuring and consultation activities.

Support salary benchmarking and annual pay review processes.

Learning & Development

Oversee L&D activity including compliance and H&S training delivery.

Support the apprenticeship levy programme and management training.

Monitor L&D budget and activity.

Culture, Engagement & Internal Communications

Champion company values and lead employee engagement activity.

Chair the Employee Voice Group.

Work with Internal Comms / Marketing to deliver communication strategies.

Drive wellbeing initiatives.

Systems, Reporting & Compliance

Ensure accuracy of HR data and produce KPIs, metrics and reports.

Manage the HR annual calendar and support policy updates.

Keep up to date with employment law and implement required changes.

Support EDI initiatives.

Health & Safety

Work with the H&S Manager on health surveillance, OH, and H&S‑related projects.

Project Management

Lead or support key HR projects such as ATS implementation and leadership development programmes.

The Person

Proven HR leadership experience (ideally in manufacturing or industrial sectors).

Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.

Experience managing and developing a team.

Confident business partner with excellent communication and coaching skills.

Strong ER, recruitment and L&D experience.

High level of IT literacy; HRIS / ATS implementation experience beneficial.

Experience with wellbeing, engagement or H&S initiatives advantageous.

Understanding of EDI and apprenticeship levy management desirable.

Salary & Benefits

• Up to £60,000 salary
• 25 days holiday
• Matched pension up to 6% (after 3 months)
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary advance & travel schemes
• Health cashback plan
• Corporate gym memberships
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)